Abraham still absent from camp, charged with DUI in Georgia

Arizona Cardinals linebacker John Abraham has yet to join the team three days into training camp, and it came to light Monday the veteran and active NFL sacks leader was arrested in late June on a charge of driving under the influence.

According to DeKalb County, Ga., court records, John Antonio Abraham, 36, was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol on June 29 in Brookhaven, Ga. He was released from custody the same night. The arrest was first reported by azcentral.com.

Abraham did not report to University of Phoenix Stadium for the first official day of training camp Friday, and Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Abraham was tending to a personal matter with the team’s blessing. Asked about Abraham’s status Monday morning, Arians said he wouldn’t comment on a player’s personal matters.

It is not clear if the June arrest is related to Abraham’s absence from training camp. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said on 98.7 FM Monday morning he was not concerned about Abraham’s absence and that the linebacker would be in camp at some point.

Cardinals linebacker John Abraham was arrested and charged with DUI on June 29 in DeKalb County, Ga.

If Abraham is found guilty of DUI, he would face disciplinary action from the NFL, be it in the form of a fine and/or suspension.

While playing for the Jets in 2003, Abraham was arrested and charged with DUI in New York but pleaded guilty and avoided jail time. In 2012, Abraham was arrested in Atlanta on two counts of misdemeanor obstruction after allegedly refusing to leave an area taped off by police.

Abraham surprised with the Cardinals last season, his first in Arizona, after joining the team early in training camp. The five-time Pro Bowler led the team with 11-1/2 sacks. Abraham currently ranks ninth all-time on the NFL’s career sacks list with 133-1/2. His 48 forced fumbles are tied for most in NFL history.